Lag Bolt Pilot Hole Size
Generally speaking, lag screws (sometimes called coach screws) are designed to fasten materials together without weakening them. The different types of lag bolts have different shear values which affect how much they can hold, but the overall goal is that when properly installed, a lag screw should be strong enough to support whatever it is attached to.
A lag screw is a type of wood screw that has a hex head and a cylindrical shaft with externally threaded parts that taper to a point. They are installed into a pre-drilled hole and driven into the material with a wrench or socket wrench. Lag screws can also be used in metal to connect things like studs to joists or beam connectors.
Before installing a lag screw it’s important to ensure that you have the correct drill bit size for the job. This will help you avoid damaging the bolt head and prevent it from breaking during tightening. To properly pre-drill a lag screw, use a drill bit that’s the same diameter as the root diameter of the threaded portion of the screw. The root diameter is typically printed on the bolt itself.
It’s also a good idea to choose a drill bit that’s slightly smaller than the core of the screw. If you want to be extra sure that your drilled hole is the correct size, try placing the lag screw on top of another drill bit and comparing them. This is a quick and easy way to make sure that your pilot hole for the lag screw will be large enough. pilot hole for 3/8 lag screw